DraftKings NFL Lineup Advice: Conference Championship Round
Tevin Coleman could put together another huge game for cheap this weekend
The Conference Championship Round of the NFL Playoffs is upon us, and we have just two games to work with. With an even shorter slate, it’s important to differentiate yourself where you can, as there is likely to be a lot of overlap in lineups. Let’s take a look at a tournament lineup for the main slate on DraftKings.
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Quarterback
Matt Ryan (ATL): $7,700 vs. GB
Much has been made this week about the projected total of this game, which currently sits at a whopping 60 points. The Packers represent a juicy matchup for opposing passing attacks, and this is a great situation to target the likely NFL MVP. Ryan posted 338 passing yards and three touchdowns against the Seahawks last week, and with a far easier opponent on deck, he should easily replicate those statistics. The Falcons have an implied team total of 32.25 points, and Ryan figures to have a big part in Atlanta’s scoring.
Other Notables:
- Aaron Rodgers (GB): $8,100 @ ATL
- Ben Roethlisberger (PIT): $5,800 @ NE
Running Back
Le’Veon Bell (PIT): $10,300 @ NE
Bell has received 63 total touches through two playoff games, and even at his steep asking price, he’s tough to fade with that kind of volume. He didn’t find the end zone last week, which ultimately kept him from posting a massive line. The Steelers are underdogs on the road, but Bell is probably one of the more insulated players from game flow due to his involvement in the passing game.
Tevin Coleman (ATL): $4,800 vs. GB
It’s risky to target Coleman over Devonta Freeman, but his ability to be a home run threat makes him a viable play this week. He had 14 touches against the Seahawks last week, and was able to produce 16.9 DKP. With the Falcons expected to put up plenty of points, Coleman should be able to participate in the fantasy goodness.
Other Notables:
- Devonta Freeman (ATL): $7,200 vs. GB
- Ty Montgomery (GB): $5,600 @ ATL
- LeGarrette Blount (NE): $4,400 vs. PIT
Wide Receiver
Julian Edelman (NE): $7,300 vs. PIT
Edelman draws a tough matchup against William Gay this week, but I’m having a tough time ignoring the volume. When it comes to the playoffs, Tom Brady leans on his trusty receiver a lot, especially with Rob Gronkowski out of the pitcure. This volume should help to offset any matchup concerns for Edelman.
Randall Cobb (GB): $5,900 @ ATL
This is a tricky situation, as the Packers’ receiving corps is really banged up right now. Not only is Jordy Nelson likely limited, but Davante Adams is dealing with an ankle issue that could affect his output. If one of the wideouts is out, Cobb would be a near must-play against the Falcons.
Taylor Gabriel (ATL): $4,900 vs. GB
Damarious Randall is one of Pro Football Focus’ worst cornerbacks, and this helps to put Gabriel in a prime position to succeed. I’ve already harped on the high team total for the Falcons, so there should be all sorts of fantasy production to be had. While not a total punt, Gabriel is still a cheaper play with some risk, but we have to be willing to take some risk on when there are just two games being played.
Other Notables:
- Antonio Brown (PIT): $8,800 @ PIT
- Julio Jones (ATL): $8,200 vs. GB
- Jordy Nelson (GB): $7,600 @ ATL (check status)
- Davante Adams (GB): $6,600 @ ATL (check status)
- Mohamed Sanu (ATL): $4,500 vs. GB
- Eli Rogers (PIT): $3,400 @ NE
- Michael Floyd (NE): $3,300 vs. PIT
Tight End
Jesse James (PIT): $2,700 @ NE
The Patriots were tough against tight ends in the regular season, but if Ladarius Green remains on the shelf, James should continue to see targets in this offense. Toss in the fact that Pittsburgh will likely need to throw in an effort to keep pace with the Patriots, and you have a fine option at a limited position this week.
Other Notables:
- Jared Cook (GB): $5,100 @ ATL
- Martellus Bennett (NE): $3,300 vs. PIT
- Richard Rodgers (GB): $2,500 @ ATL
Flex
Geronimo Allison (GB): $3,800 @ ATL
Speaking of risk, Allison carries plenty of it. The downside in utilizing Allison is that Jordy Nelson and/or Davante Adams could still log full snaps this week. The upside is that if one or both are limited, that’s a lot of volume to replace, and that should afford him some more targets. It’s worth noting that Allison is also dealing with an injury, so be sure to monitor the statuses of all the Green Bay receivers.
Defense/Special Teams
Atlanta Falcons (ATL): $2,200 vs. GB
Good luck! OK, in all seriousness, none of the defenses are appealing this week, so it makes sense to just punt and move on. It’s not saying much, but the Packers do present the easiest (relatively speaking) of the matchups for opposing team defenses.
Other Notables:
- New England Patriots (NE): $4,000 vs. PIT
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Adam Sutton is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Adam, follow him @DraftStars_Adam. You can find more of Adam’s work at DraftStars.net
